I know I’m not alone in this struggle so I thought I’d do an update of this post I wrote a few years ago.
I’ve been a psoriasis sufferer from the age of nine.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that shows itself as an overproduction of skin cells that appear as lumpy, itchy scaly clumps. It’s not curable, just controllable.
It’s always been in my scalp since my childhood years and its intensity varies from day to day, week to week and month to month.
I’m just recovering from a bad respiratory virus and with that recovering, my psoriasis has flared up to its worst in months. Yes my immune system is as dodgy as that.
I can’t say I’ve ever found scalp friendly hair products that take my psoriasis away but I can say that I’ve used a number of shampoos over the years that help keep it in check while my immune system re-balances.
I’ve also found that switching scalp friendly shampoo products is always a good idea. Sometimes my scalp can get used to one shampoo, ensuring a flare up occurs.
When I switch things up, it calms down again.
I’ve also found that chemical-free shampoos can help – but not exclusively. There seems to be no rhyme or reason why some shampoos minimise flare ups and others don’t.
What I tend to stick to are shampoo formulations that soothe and calm the scalp – often you’ll find it’s peppermint oil working to do the trick here.
I also spend a lot of money each year on keeping my “natural” blonde colouring in check. I don’t want that investment damaged by shampoos that are good for psoriasis control but strip my colour.
Speaking of hair colour, if this irritates your scalp further look into ammonia-free salon hair colours such as L’Oreal Paris’ INOA hair colour and CHI Ionic Ammonia Free Permanent Shine Colour.
5 scalp friendly shampoos
4. Kerastase Dermo-Calm Shampoo
Do you have a sensitive scalp? Or psoriasis? What works for you? Share your tips with us all.
Comments 29
I researched every shampoo to help my wife that has dandruff and a very itchy scalp. We tried a bunch of them to counteract this – and the best one we found is the Made from Earth Tea & Protein Shampoo.
She has just used this Made From Earth shampoo for the last 2 weeks, and I testify that it is working wonders. She feels the ‘healing’ and tingling of the Tea Tree Oil. All I can say is thank you Made from Earth for helping my wife. It was making her so unhappy not being able to solve her itchy scalp – and I am so grateful she does not have to feel insecure anymore.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this! I’m just getting over a rather nasty sinus infection and I noticed my scalp is feeling rather dry and sensitive and the moment. I have the MooGoo shampoo (and conditioner) at home, so will be taking that into the shower with me. x
Hi Nikki, I have psoriasis on my scalp and and am a natural blonde like yourself… I have been using De Lorenzo Tricho series (purple one) for years after my hairdresser put me onto it. It totally gets rid of the psoriasis on your scalp and doesn’t discolour your hair. You can get in online or from Price Attack. The toner is key!
Thanks Judith!
Another vote for Moo Goo here. i haven’t tried the other products on the list, but after trying a number of commercial products from the supermarkets and chemists I decided to try the Milk Shampoo for my dandruffy/itchy head and I haven’t looked back. The added bonus is it’s all natural which I love and made locally on the Gold Coast. My hairdresser has recommended Silk Oil of Morocco as well, which I will try when my bottle of Milk Shampoo runs out, which seems to last forever too.
I’ve suffered from flaky scalp issues all my life. I read an article by Dr Mercola which suggests to shampoo hair with Head and Shoulders and leave it in overnight or for at least 8 hours. Wear a shower cap if leaving it in overnight. The stuff in H&S kills the fungus that can exacerbate the condition. I tried it and my scalp is flake-free now. (Had to do the treatment once a week for 3 weeks). I know, H&S can strip colour so one may have to suffer that whilst undergoing the treatment, which can vary depending on the severity of your condition, but afterwards you won’t need to use it anymore and you can go back to using sulphate-free shampoos & conditioners. Anyway, just wanted to let you know what worked for me! Cheers.
Psoriasis isn’t fungal Samantha so this wouldn’t work – sounds like it’s ideal for your condition though.
No they don’t cause psoriasis you’re right Nikki but yeast infections can come with scalp psoriasis (see treatments for SP in WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis?page=2). Should’ve said that my advice is for people whose psoriasis is affected in a similar way. My bad! 🙂
I love Deva No Poo, it’s marketed to those with curly hair buts it’s fab for anyone with dry ends and an easily irritated scalp. It’s more like a conditioner, cleans hair without natural stripping oils. I get mine on strawberry net (don’t be tempted by the matching conditioner though – the smell is hideous! – I use the Moo Goo conditioner)
I have a really flaky scalp all of a sudden. It’s very frustrating. But I’m confused about what kind of shampoo to use to treat it. And I color my hair so I don’t want anything too harsh—which I think tea tree might be.
The ones I’ve mentioned above all don’t ruin your hair colour Jennifer.
Thanks Nikki!
I love Moo Goo as well and switch this around with De Lorenzo Tricho range. My son also suffers from eczema which flares up behind his ears and this is one of the few shampoos that keeps it under control.
I use Paul Mitchels Tea Tree Shampoo & conditioner & found it helps with my psoriasis. Love the tingle it creates in the scalp to.
Thanks so much Zoe … I love that tingle too!
Oh Nikki – the search I’ve been through for something that would tame my psoriasis and also be kind to my blonde colour.
A new hairdresser finally had the answer – La Biosthetique’s Anti Dandruff shampoo. I use it 1-2 times a week and it’s changed my life, way better than the natural brands or stinky chemist options for me. It’s salon only so you do need to search around for one that stocks it.
I use this one, but I see they also have a stronger option now too, will give it a go next time and report back! http://labiosthetique.com.au/methode-pellicules
Also, I find dry shampoo always makes the scalp situation worse. Of course there are times it’s really needed, but usually I find taking the extra time to wash properly is worth it to avoid an itchy painful flare up.
Thanks SO MUCH … sounds like a great find. And yes, I agree, I use dry shampoo and hair dust sparingly because yes it can do that for me too.
My husband has psoriasis and I have a sensitive scalp and have used the Moo Goo which was good but I’ve since found ‘Silk Oil of Morocco’, which is also Australian made and a Brisbane based company. We both have had great experience with their products, and hubby hasn’t had a flare up since we swapped over.
Thanks for sharing Joyce – I’ll have to try!
Hi Joyce, which silk oil of Morocco do you use? there seems to be a few in the range. Many thanks
Hello, I have fine hair and use the volume range, hubby has dry curly hair and he uses intense moisture. Love all their products! Hope you do to
If your psoriasis is really bad, ask your doctor to look up clobex shampoo. It actually works and is surprisingly gentle On my blonded hair.
Thanks Lou Lou … I wouldn’t try without knowing that it doesn’t affect my hair colour so good to know!
Nikki – great to see that the first 3 brands you recommend are all Australian. I love O&M hair products, they have a 7 day miracle treatment conditioner that is wonderful for dry hair. I have suffered from an itchy scalp from time to time and I have found that for me, a few shampoos with the Moo Goo shampoo and more importantly liberal use of the Moo Goo conditioner, which I leave on my hair for a few minutes before rinsing it off, completely resolves the issue. I didn’t know Sodashi had a shampoo, but I have used their intensive night creams – really beautiful products.
That 7 Day Miracle Treatment is amazing! And another tick for MooGoo!
I went no-poo over a year ago and have not looked back. My hair is easier to control (I have curly hair that used to significant require product to contain frizz), but now I just give my scalp a scrub in the shower and I’m done. I don’t need conditioner to get rid of knots. My head is less itchy, less dandruffy; my hair is not frizzy; the natural oils seem to protect my hair from chlorine and salt water. There was a really icky transition period though… but love it now!
I’m impressed Neats!
I do have a sensitive scalp Nikki but no psoriasis only sensitivity and dermatitis related issues .I like Eco store products and anything that is sulpahte free.
My hairdresser Megan uses an organic colour range but for the life of me I cannot remember the name ,I have been ammonia free for about 6years now and that helps a lot Xx
Thanks so much Lisa … the sulphate free thing isn’t necessarily a thing for my scalp … strange I know!